Disclaimer: I do not own MGLN but my girlfriend reckons she should!

Author's Notes: Again it has been too long since my last update. I sincerely apologise to everyone. The festive season as well as family visiting got the better of me. Updates won't take so long again!

Thank you nanofatehere; Will Lockhart; Lance58; Guest 1; Redmoon021; and Derka for your reviews. I do enjoy getting them :-) Thank you also to everyone who favourited this story and who is following and reading it :-)

Derka: How was the New Year celebration? In the next couple of chapters there will be a chapter concerning Nanoha, Fate and sake in a hot spring…look forward to that one ;-) Thanks for the idea. Choya is an alcohol made with plums. It is sweet but very nice.

I won't give up on this story. The plot will be become more evident in the coming chapters particularly concerning the motives of the Project and it will hopefully go faster. The end of this chapter may seem familiar to some...

Thank you everyone for you patience with me and this story. I hope everyone has had a good start to the New Year.

Nanofatehere: This chapter is for you :-) Thank you for the update reminder.


Chapter 24

Sooth

Nanoha's POV.

"Mom, Dad this is Fate."

"So you are the famous Fate we keep hearing so much about."

"Daaaad."

"Hahaha I didn't say anything bad. All I'm saying is finally we get to meet this friend that you don't stop talking about."

"Mou, you are embarrassing me. Fate this is my Mom and Dad." Why do they have to embarrass me in front of Fate?

"You can call us Momoko and Shiro dear. Like my husband said it is a pleasure to finally meet you."

"It is also a pleasure to meet you both. Thank you for having us this week-end." Fate bows deeply as she says this.

"Haha dear no need to be so formal, we are looking forward to getting to know you. Well then, we are just waiting on Linith and Hayate and then we will be on our way." My Mom says as she smiles warmly to Fate.

Linith had previously met my parents while Fate was away with her family. I look at Fate. She looks so worn and pale. I wonder if she fell sick whilst she was away. The thought of Alicia pops into my mind and what Precia told Hayate and I earlier. It makes me feel sad. I want to hug Fate even more; well I always want to hug Fate… Maybe I will broach the subject with her this week-end.

Hayate and Linith arrive and we depart in two cars. Hayate and Linith take Hayate's car and Fate and I go with my parents much to my protests.

As soon as we leave the city I notice Fate almost instantly relax. My parents are deep in conversation with each other. Even after being married for so long they are still very much in love and the best of friends. I hope I can have the same kind of relationship with my other half. At this thought I look to my side at Fate again.

I notice her eyes drooping and her head swaying a little. A smile crosses my lips. She is falling asleep. I slowly scoot closer to her left side and lightly push my shoulder against hers. Her head lolls to the side and finds the top of my shoulder. I feel her nuzzle into it and can't help the slight blush from spreading across my face.

I look in front of me and notice my Dad's eyes from the rear view mirror. From the wrinkles around them I can tell he his smiling at me. I smile back. I am happy. Nothing could ruin this moment. I have Fate with me for the entire week-end. The thought that we will not be apart comforts me. For some reason I think this week-end will be very therapeutic for her. I want it to be fun and relaxing. Maybe we can also get to know each other better.

I smell the ever intoxicating smell from Fate's hair and listen to her deep breathing and occasional twitch as her body releases all the day's tension. I am taken away from my thoughts as I feel a hand on my lap. I look down just as Fate's hand searches for mine and grasp it securely yet gently. My heart rate picks up as our fingers interlace for the third time today. A feeling and gesture I have just realised I am already addicted to.

My feelings are getting stronger day by day. They are already at an intensity that I am unfamiliar with yet that I need more of. Only Fate seems to evoke these feelings though.

Fate's hand is cool to the touch. I reach with my other hand and place it atop our interlaced ones. I trace small circles on top of her wrist. I hear Fate release a longer breath almost as if the touch is soothing. I manage to place my fingers slightly into her shirt sleeve and trace circles a little higher up her wrist, however, something stops me. What is that? I look down and shift her shirt slowly up a little without waking Fate. The contrast of the white fabric against Fate's black clothing takes me by surprise. It looks like a bandage. Another one? She had one on the same hand when we first met.

Slowly I turn our interlaced fingers to look at the top of her hand. I notice distinct scarring and scabbing atop it. I lightly trace it with my fingers. Fate flinches slightly but doesn't wake. This is definitively a different wound on her arm. It must be fresh if it is still bandaged. How do they happen? And why so frequent? I wonder if she will tell me. This worries me.

I remember the butterfly wings tattoo on her back and the scars I saw contained within them.

Fate's body seems to be a maze of untold pain and horrors traced and mapped by countless scars. I feel bad that while I had a reasonably uneventful yet happy childhood, Fate must have been subjected to so much. I wish she would confide in me more.

Determination settles into my heart. I vow to protect her from now on. I will always be there for her and not let anything happen to her at least not whilst I am around. I do not want another scar to mar her already overcrowded skin. I feel a slight twang of panic rising in the back of my throat at the thought that Fate may still be suffering this maltreatment.

I squeeze her hand firmly. I would keep you by my side forever if I could if only to keep you safe.

A couple of hours later we arrive at our destination. Fate had virtually slept the entire way and I enjoyed watching her eyelids flutter open with brief disorientation and confusion. She was very apologetic once she fully awoke, head on my shoulder and a bit of drool escaping her lips.

The hot spring resort is located in the mountains with nothing but wilderness surrounding us. No distractions… and I hope not many interruptions with my Fate time. I feel excitement bubbling within me at the thought.

I exit the car with enthusiasm and a little gleeful jump. I am instantly faced with the distinctive sulphur like smell from the hot springs. I spot the two owners of this establishment walk towards us.

"Nanoha! Is has been ages." Says the girl with the purple hair.

"Suzuka! It sure has." I launch myself into a fierce hug with my long time friend. "I have missed you."

"I have missed you too." Suzuka replies while returning the hug. "We have so much catching up to do."

"We sure do." I agree.

"So I assume you are the reason why we haven't heard much from Nanoha recently." Another voice adds with a hint of annoyance, directing her statement towards Fate and with her hands firmly on her hips.

"Alisa! That's not true." I object. "I have been quite busy at the bakery thank you."

"And wooing dear Fate here." Hayate having made it to us adds to which Suzuka giggles and Alisa stares intently at Fate with a 'I knew it' look.

"Hayate!" I exclaim and blush fifty shades of red, relieved my parents are still at the car.

"Nothing to be ashamed of, love is a beautiful thing." Hayate casually adds. Oh my God they are going to be death of me this week-end. "Getting back to introduction, Fate, Linith this here graceful young Japanese woman is Suzuka Tsukimura." Hayate says pointing to Suzuka, "and this hot tempered English girl here is Alisa Bannings. We all went to school together. Alisa and Suzuka co-own this little resort. Alisa, Suzuka meet Fate and Linith Testarossa."

"It is a pleasure to meet you both." Linith responds back. I notice she is cradling a very sleepy Yuuno. It looks like someone has wiggled himself out of his cage and into her heart.

"Who are you calling hot tempered?" Alisa takes the bait and challenges Hayate who playfully grins at the latter. Here we go again, I shake my head. Some things really never change from school.

I notice my parents have made their way next to us.

Suzuka as always diplomatically stops all arguments. "Well since we are all here, let me inform you all as to sleeping arrangements. It is virtually the same as last time you came. You will all be sharing the same room together except for Momoko and Shiro." Suzuka looks at them and smiles. "Who are getting the usual private room. Please everyone make yourselves at home."

"Awesome, party in bikinis in the hot springs." Hayate boldly declares. Everyone laughs at this except Fate, which causes me to cast her a worried look.

"Well kids, we will let you all catch up with each other, Momoko and I are going to freshen up. We will see you all later." Dad says as he grabs Mom's and his bags with an enthusiasm that makes me feel uncomfortable and they both start walking towards the resort itself.

"Okay, see you later." Hayate responds back with then returns her attention to us. "Right ladies, most important things first, I suggest we all grab our bikinis and meet in the hot springs." She then looks at Linith and adds, "We can drop Yuuno aka Sleeping Beauty here in the room on his carry bed on the way. I doubt he will be moving much this afternoon." And with that those two slowly make they way to the resort.

"Nanoha, Fate, we unfortunately have a little bit of paperwork to finish up before we are done for the week-end. We will see you in the thermal bath in a little bit." Suzuka says as she looks at Fate and I.

"Sure no problem. I will give Fate a tour of the place and see you two later." Suzuka nods and smiles and her along with Alisa turn to leave. "Right that leaves you and I." I look up at Fate and am instantly left breathless. Her eyes are focussed on me and their intensity makes me shiver in delight. "Let's grab our bags and let me show you around this amazing place." I move to make my way back to the car but am stopped by Fate.

"Let me." She gently says. I nod and watch her collect our things. Such the gentleman or would that be gentlewoman? It's strange but on occasion it seems like she is limping. I noticed this earlier after the fight with those unscrupulous characters at the café. I didn't notice her getting hurt during the fight though. My thoughts are, however, interrupted.

"Nanoha?" Fate whispers to get my attention. If there had been a gust of wind at the time I am sure my name would have been carried within it and lost. I love the way she says my name. It feels as if it is so precious.

"Um… sorry, day dreaming nyahahaha. Thank you for carrying my bag. Shall we go?" Fate responds with a nod and a beautiful smile. Come to think of it she genuinely smiles more often than when I first met her.

We walk close together and make it to our room to drop the bags. I notice Hayate and Linith have already claimed a section of the floor in which to set up their futons later. My area is right next to Fate. I glance back towards Fate as she gently drops our bags in a corner.

It is so peaceful. It is just the two of us and a small, well if I am being honest, big part of me wants her all to myself for a little while longer.

"I know we should be meeting the others in the hot springs but I was wondering if… maybe… you would fancy a tour of the gardens? They are quite spectacular. That is if you want. We don't have to…" Fate interrupts my rambling by placing her hand on my arm. I am stunned to silence by her dazzling smile.

"I would love nothing more than a tour of the gardens with you." Oh. My. God. the temperature feels like it has gone up a few degrees.

"Um… right," I clear my throat, real smooth Nanoha, "Follow me."

We make our way outside. Fate and I are walking side by side. I glance down at her hand. It is so close to mine. Do I dare? Will she mind? Aargh I feel like a prepubescent boy. Why is this so hard? Come on Nanoha, just do it.

I jump a little in surprise when Fate boldly does what I have been debating with myself to do the past couple of minutes. She gently grasps my hand in her cool one. I turn to look at her. I notice the hesitancy written all over her face.

"So I don't get lost?" She timidly asks me. I look down at out joined hands then back at her. A beaming smile that could probably rival the sun spreads across my face. I nod several times yes.

Fate smiles back a little more sheepishly.

We walk around the gardens together. I feel more like I am walking on a cloud then the hard ground. I struggle to believe that she actually took the initiative to hold my hand. It kind of feels like a bit of the Fate from the Thunder Rage club is here too.

"I want to show you my favourite spot." I start to walk a little faster with Fate in tow. I glance back at her quickly and notice a twinkle in her eyes at my obvious eagerness which warms my heart.

We come across a fairly large pond. Rocks are specially placed around and within the pond in accordance with Zen principles. The gardens are designed to sooth and relax the soul as well as adding to the healing and therapeutic properties of the hot springs.

More or less in the middle of the pond is a small wooden and worn bridge that goes over it to the other side of the pond with what I always assumed was a red shrine on the other side.

I step onto the small narrow bridge with Fate right behind me. We make it to the middle and stop. Wilderness surrounds the one side and the gardens encompass the other. I can hear birds singing in the woodland and see some steam come off from the water in front of us. It is a very peaceful setting.

"Whenever we came to the resort, this place would be my favourite hideout. It is far enough from the resort to allow privacy yet it is also within walking distance from the main area. I used to close my eyes and feel like nothing could touch me here." I lean against the side of the bridge. "I wanted to share this place with you so it could be your safe haven to." I turn my head and look towards Fate who is looking out into the gardens. Her eyes betray her normally stoic expression. She seems almost overwhelmed with emotions. I wonder what she is thinking. I gently squeeze her hand that is still in mine. She glances back at me and gives me one of her small smiles.

"Thank you." She whispers softly.

"You know Fate, if you ever need a friend all you need to do is ask. I am always here to listen and help." I venture. Fate turns her head and looks back out into the wilderness. I do the same.

After a few moments she breaks the silence, "I… I don't know how to… I mean… how to ask." She takes her hand out of mine and places both her hands on the flimsy railing of the bridge. I turn to look at her. She is staring into the water this time with a pained expression. She seems so vulnerable.

"It's easy." I reply. Fate's looks back at me surprised. I smile warmly at her. "Start by saying their name." I softly add turning back to the water in front of us. "At first, that's all you need. You look the person right in the eye and you call that person by name." I turn back towards Fate. "Just call my name and the rest follows through naturally."

"Nano…ha." Fate whispers as if my name is the best kept secret.

"Yes, that's right." I encourage.

"Nanoha." Fate tries again with a bit more conviction yet still as quietly.

"Yes." I nod enthusiastically. I notice her eyes are starting to glow with that normally hidden magma behind them.

"Nanoha." Fate continues a little louder. My face flushes at the way she utters my name. I reach out with both hands and clutch her left hand. The air seems to be buzzing with electricity.

"Sometimes I shout the persons name into the heavens and it instantly makes me feel better." At that Fate looks a little confused but then a smile graces her lips and she inhales a deep breath before she calls my name louder than I have ever heard her speak but yet not loud enough to be deemed a shout. After calling out my name I notice an even bigger smile on those beautiful lips that are partly open to allow the rapid influx of oxygen. The scene before me is breathtaking, my pulse quickens.

What surprises me even more is the sudden giggle that escapes her throat and before I know it we are both giggling like school girls.

After a while with the giggles over we simply stare into each others eyes. The silence is comfortable and we are both smiling. This is one of the most relaxed I have ever seen her. A slight breeze seals the moment between us.

"Thank you, Nanoha." Fate gently says. This moment is a huge step for the both of us. Our private moment. Somehow in the last few minutes we have grown so much closer without having to do much talking. This moment is significant and the silence followed by her statement confirms it. I carve it in my memory forever more.

"Nanoha." Fate calls my name again not quite breaking the silence

"Yes." I softly reply.

"You have warm hands, Nanoha." Fate matter of fact declares taking me completely by surprise and I can't help the smile and the flood of emotions, nor do I want to, written all over my face and the light headed feeling from her words.

"You know," Fate continues, "I think I learned something. If your friend is happy, you feel happy too. It's contagious."

At this I can't help my actions and leap into her for a hug that she returns without hesitation. A content sigh escapes me. Fate's normally cold skin somehow warms me like a blanket on a frosty day. I feel cherished in her returned embrace. At this exact moment, everything feels right in the world.

"Thank you, Nanoha. When I'm in need of a friend, I am sure I'll call your name." I lean my head back slightly to look into her eyes. Fate, however, doesn't stop there. "I want you to call my name too if you're ever in trouble. I'll be the one to help you."

I gasp at her declaration and bury my head in the crook of her neck hugging her for dear life. Her words are reverberating in my mind and soul. I will definitely never forget this now even more precious memory. I feel her arms wrap around me more securely and feel her cheek against the top of my head. Like two long lost puzzle pieces we fit together perfectly.

We remain like this for a while simply soaking up in each other presence as well as in the un-named feelings surrounding us and within our hearts with the bridge, pond and sun as our witnesses.

This moment is perfect.

"Thank you, Nanoha." Fate whisper again against my hair. I feel her take in a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds before releasing it slowly. "Nanoha?" She asks.

I lean back slightly to look at her and reply, "Yes?"

"I can't… I can't go into the hot springs with everyone." She hesitantly says to me looking away with what looks like shame at the last uttered word.

At first I scrunch my forehead in slight confusion by what she just said but then reality comes rushing in like a slap in the face.

I am such an idiot. Of course Fate would struggle. The injury, tattoo and scars. I doubt many know about them, bar Linith and me. Why didn't I think of it before? I feel so stupid! She wouldn't like people asking questions or being showered with pity. People will undoubtedly treat anyone with scars such as those differently.

"Fate. I'm sorry." I say.

Her body slightly stiffens at my apology. "You have nothing to be sorry for." She replies.

"I had forgotten about your…scars." I breathe out.

"I am glad you did. I wish I could too." The sadness in her voice doesn't go unnoticed by me. I pull back slightly from our embrace and place both my hands on her shoulder. I go up on my tiptoes and extend my neck until I am at eye level with her. As gently as I can I lean in, close my eyes and press a kiss to her cheek.

If only I could help free you of your pain.

"It makes you who you are."

To be continued…